Eagles Game 2017 Schedule: Game-by-game predictions

The Eagles’ 2017 schedule is out — which means it is finally time for some win/loss predictions.
Sure, plenty will be changing between now and Week 1, but as of right now, here is how fellow Eagles’ reporter Mark Eckel and I see the Eagles’ 2017 season playing out.

Eagles

WEEK 1: AWAY vs. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
The Eagles open their season at Washington. This is a very tough spot. To start, they will likely be facing quarterback Kirk Cousins, who always plays well against them. This will also be the first time the Eagles’ new set of starting cornerbacks, whoever they may be, will be playing together. The Eagles might finish ahead of the Redskins, but they won’t beat them in Week 1.Eliot’s Pick: LOSS

Eckel’s pick: A third-party candidate has a better chance of winning in Washington than the Eagles do….LOSS

WEEK 2: AWAY vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Kansas City, in the regular season, is one of the toughest opponents in the league — especially at home. This is a great early-season test for the Eagles. They might keep it close, but it’s hard to see Eagles head coach Doug Pederson out coaching his mentor, Andy Reid.Eliot’s pick: LOSS

WEEK 3: HOME vs. NEW YORK GIANTS
The Eagles always seem to play the Giants tough at home. In fact, the Eagles have won four of the last five games against the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. This will make it five of the last six.
Eliot’s pick: WIN
Eckel’s prediction: Eli Manning throws so bad in Philly he could be the Phillies’ closer. …WIN

WEEK 4: AWAY vs. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Eagles struggle in their first trip out to Los Angeles, but come out with a win.Eliot’s pick: WINEckel’s pick: This will be the game the Eagles should win, but don’t….LOSS

WEEK 5: HOME vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS
If this game was on the road, it would be a much tougher test for the Eagles. At home, however, this one feels like a win for the Eagles.Eliot’s prediction: WINEckel’s prediction: Cards look like a team on the decline…..WIN

WEEK 6: AWAY vs. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Are the Panthers going to bounce back? Even if they don’t reach their NFC-Champion level of play from 2015, this is going to be a tough one for the Eagles — especially on a short week.Eliot’s pick: LOSSEckel’s pick: Watch out for a big rebound year from Cam and the Panthers….LOSS

WEEK 7: HOME vs. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
With a long week to prepare, the Eagles finally solve Cousins, and this win makes it five in a row for Pederson and Wentz.Eliot’s pick: WINEckel’s pick: This won’t be easy, but Eagles find a way at home…..WIN

WEEK 8: HOME vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
This is the one “must win game” on the Eagles’ schedule. A loss here would be embarrassing for the Eagles.Eliot’s pick: WINEckel’s pick: Would have been a lot more fun with Chip, but Eagles still win….WIN

WEEK 9: HOME vs. DENVER BRONCOS
Every year the Eagles win a game that surprises everyone. In 2015 it was their win over the New England Patriots in New England. Last year, it was their wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. This year, it will be their win over the Denver Broncos.Eliot’s pick: WINEckel’s pick: I think you’re going to have to score to beat the Eagles and not sure Broncos will score a lot…..WIN

WEEK 10: BYE WEEK
Last season, the Eagles got their Bye Week in Week 4. This season, they get it basically right in the middle of the season — and before a big matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys.

WEEK 11 AT DALLAS COWBOYS
The Eagles almost beat the Cowboys last season in Dallas. It was a game that they lost because of inexperience, with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. This is a good spot for the Eagles, coming off of a bye week, but they have to prove to me they can win in Dallas before I pick them to.Eliot’s pick: LOSS
Eckel’s prediction: Eagles come off a Bye Week, which is a good spot for them. The Cowboys are still the better team….LOSS

WEEK 12: HOME vs. CHICAGO BEARS
This will be receiver Alshon Jeffrey’s first game against his former team, the Bears. The Eagles offense should be rolling by this point, and the Bears figure to be in for another tough year.Eliot’s pick: WINEckel’s pick: The Eagles know how to beat Mike Glennon….WIN

WEEK 13: AWAY vs. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
This game isn’t a complete lock as a loss like it was last season. If it wasn’t for a bad penalty midway through the second quarter by receiver Nelson Agholor that negated a touchdown, the Eagles would have possibly taken the lead into the half against the Seahawks. This game is going to be much closer than people expect.Eliot’s pick: LOSSEckel’s pick: Great place to visit, tough place to win…LOSS

WEEK 14: AWAY vs. LOS ANGELES RAMS
Coming off of playing the Seahawks, in Seattle, makes this a a tough spot — especially after spending a week in Los Angeles, away from the NovaCare Center.
This is a game, however, where having quarterback Carson Wentz changes things. Is Wentz going to go into Los Angeles and lose to the team that passed him up at No. 1 overall? I think not.
Eliot’s Prediction: WINEckel’s pick: Eagles fans should say another prayer that Rams took Goff, instead of Wentz. …WIN

WEEK 15: AT NEW YORK GIANTS
Late in the season at the Meadowlands is a tough spot for the Eagles. Both teams will likely be competing for a playoff spot. Are the Eagles ready to win a playoff-type game against a division rival on the road? We’ll find out, but until they prove it, it’s hard to pick them to win.Eliot’s pick: LOSSEckel’s pick: After two weeks out West, the come home and play at Giants. Tough scheduling…..LOSS

WEEK 16: HOME vs. OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Eagles getting the Raiders on Christmas night is a good spot to have to play one of the best teams in the AFC. The Raiders have to travel across the country and play on a holiday. The issue, is the Raiders could be playing for the top spot in the AFC. The schedule makers did the Eagles a favor with this one.Eliot’s pick: LOSSEckel’s pick: The Raiders on Christmas? Just win baby Jesus? ….LOSS

WEEK 17: HOME vs. DALLAS COWBOYS
A lot will be on the line for the Eagles in this game. This is the game where Wentz separates himself from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and the Eagles end the season on a high note with a win. The question is– will it be enough to get them in the playoffs?Eliot’s Pick: WINEckel’s pick: Eagles may have to hope Cowboys have home field wrapped up again in week 17…. LOSS
FINAL RECORD?Eliot: 9-7Eckel: 7-9